Tuesday, November 10, 2009

International Acquaintances

I think I'm finally 'coming down' from the high I experienced during my weeklong Shibori class with Jan Myers-Newbury at Nancy Crow's Barn! Reality is setting in, but I'm now having the wonderful opportunity to sit back and reflect on all of the new friendships that we all developed. The Barn's environment seems to encourage that, especially during mealtime in the light and airy diningroom, with the yummy meals lovingly prepared by Margaret Wolf. One of the first people that I met was the awesome German fiber artist Heide Stoll-Weber who was there for two weeks of independent study under Nancy's tutelage. Her work is totally amazing: both her quilts and her hand-dyed fabrics. I wish that I had taken a picture of Heide, but that didn't happen. Anyway, please do check out her website. I think you'll agree that her quilts are one of a kind and very inspirational.

Below is one of my classmates, Birgitta (with Jan). While she currently lives in England (Dorset, to be exact), Birgitta hails from Sweden.

As you may or may not know, my maternal grandparents were both from Sweden, and I have cousins living there in Skane (whom I don't get to visit often enough!), so it was music to my ears when I heard both Birgitta and Gunilla first speak! I couldn't help but notice how much Birgitta looked like Augusta, my Swedish grandmother...........what a comfort!

This is Gunilla (and Jan):Both Gunilla and Birgitta were extremely productive, and their work was lovely! It was a treat for me to be with them both! Gunilla has a blog and I'm looking forward to seeing how she progresses with her one of a kind fabrics.

Our weather today is quite rainy: thanks to Tropical Storm Ida. We are no longer in need of rain, but our most recent drought has taught me to never again complain about precipitation! I donned my rain gear early this morning and Barker and I had a very pleasant walk!

6 comments:

The friendships that we develop thru our art are just amazing!!!! So neat that you had such a wonderful time with Swedish gals!!!We are looking forward to Ida's arrival, Buddy gets a bath this pm so I will not be walking the dogs in the rain!! HA HA!!! you are a trooper!!Hugs!E

I love the links you offer - so interesting to see how others work and Gunilla is a wonderful artist. I've been catching up with your posts and I just love the Shibori scarves. The patterns are so beautiful, quite mysterious, and you are using the most wonderful colours. Pinks and purples are usually my favourites but I'm impressed with everything you are producing.

Judy, you are dispersing sunshine around you wherever you are. It was a great experience to meet you with your enthusiasm and straight forwardness. To be your friend and having you around must be worth a fortune. I am very eager to see the result of your fabulous compositioin you made at he Barn. My camera went to sleep just by the time I wanted to take the last photos of your top.Många KramarGunilla